Assessment certificate categories

This page details the assessment certificate categories (non self-assessment and self assessment), the intention of each, and their criteria (click on the links for more information about specific certificates).

Non self-assessment certificate categories

Number-average molecular weight

Except for certain polyesters (see: last dot point below), a PLC must have a NAMW greater than 1000.

For polymers with NAMW between 1000 and 10,000, the allowable low MW species (below 1000 and 500) for these polymers is 25% and 10% respectively provided that the polymer has a limited content of reactive functional groups.

For polymers with NAMW greater than 10,000, the allowable low MW (below 1000 and 500) for these polymers remains at 5% and 2% respectively. There is no restriction on the number of reactive functional groups in the polymer.

Low-charge density

A polymer has a low-charge density if it is not a cationic polymer or is not reasonably anticipated to become a cationic polymer in a natural aquatic environment (4 < pH < 9). Certain solid materials and polymers with a low content of cationic groups are allowable as PLCs.

Hazard classification

A PLC must not be classified as a hazardous chemical.

Stability

A polymer is stable under the conditions in which it is used if it does not readily break down by hydrolysis, thermal degradation, photodegradation, depolymerisation or any other means.

Chemical composition

A PLC must contain as an integral part of its composition at least two atomic elements—carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, silicon and sulfur. There are restrictions on the content of other elements.

Water-absorbing polymers

A water-absorbing polymer with NAMW 10,000 and greater cannot be a PLC.

Polyesters

A polyester with a NAMW less than 1000, manufactured solely from one or more allowable reactants, may be a PLC provided that the polymer meets the other criteria.

small-volume chemicals, biopolymers, and low MW synthetic polymers (NAMW <1000 Da)—that is, chemicals to be imported or manufactured at a rate of up to 1 tonne/12-month period

site-limited chemicals, biopolymers, and low MW synthetic polymers (NAMW <1000 Da)—that is, chemicals restricted to their manufacturing site and manufactured at a rate of not more than 10 tonnes/12-month period

synthetic polymers with NAMW >1000 Da that do not meet the PLC criteria.

Extension of a current assessment certificate may cover other companies intending to import or manufacture a notified chemical, where the holder of the original certificate agrees and as long as certain criteria are met.

Self-assessment certificate categories allow industry to self-assess low regulatory concern chemicals against specified criteria and provide an assessment report which is screened and amended by NICNAS in consultation with the notifier if necessary before publication.

The assessment time frame is shorter than for non self-assessment categories (28 days as opposed to 90 days) and the fees you pay are lower.

Self-assessment certificates cannot be extended.

Self-assessment applications can be made for these categories of chemicals:

Polymer of low concern (PLC)

Non-hazardous chemicals or polymers

The onus is on you to demonstrate the non-hazardous nature of the chemical or polymer. You must gather data to demonstrate the non-hazardous nature, as outlined under the Act (see Legislation and regulations).

Obligations

To ensure the robustness and integrity of the self-assessment process, you—as holder of a self-assessed assessment certificate—may be subject to NICNAS audits, since you are responsible for the content of the self-assessment report.

Under the Act, you must keep records to support statements made in, or in connection with, the certificate application, for five years from the date the certificate is issued. You must also submit a report to the NICNAS Director at the end of each registration year, stating:

name of the chemical or polymer for which the certificate is issued

volume of the chemical or polymer introduced during the year

any adverse effect of the chemical or polymer on occupational health and safety, public health or the environment of which you became aware during the year.

Reduced fee options

Modular notification categories

NICNAS has a number of modular notification categories with reduced fees, where a previous (or concurrent) assessment can be utilised in the NICNAS assessment. These are available for some non self-assessed Standard, Limited and Polymer of low concern applications.

Secondary notifications

You must notify us when you become aware of a significant change in circumstances relating to an assessed new or existing chemical.

You are responsible for informing NICNAS of any significant changes from those outlined in the original assessment report of the chemical. You must do so within 28 days of becoming aware of such a change.